TYRES

 The complication with tyres for motorhomes is that they are produced in batches due to the comparative low demand. This means that should you damage a tyre ‘on the road’ you could have a real problem getting a replacement in a timely manner. For this reason I would never go away without a spare tyre and wheel, though to save weight I suppose just a tyre would suffice provided it was safely stored somewhere.

 Keep tyres correctly inflated, they have to work hard and will cause poor handling and increased mpg if incorrect. There will often be different pressures for summer & winter as well as empty and fully laden.

 Check the age of your tyres using the code on the tyres. Stamped on to the side wall close to the rim is ‘DOT followed by a four digit code. Eg ‘3008’ means the tyre was manufactured in the 30th week of 2008. The code is sometimes located on the inner wall of the tyre.

 Tyres should be replaced every 5 years as they degrade due to UV light, and lack of use over long periods of storage, especially outside and particularly by the coast can hasten the aging process.

 Camping’ tyres are the preferred option to choose. They are designed for heavy-duty use on a motorhome. The camper tyre and sidewall is stronger than a standard light commercial tyre. Contact Michelin on 0845-3661590 email Michelin-contact@uk.michelin.com The following website is to the tyre section of the MOT manual (class 4 requirements for most motorhomes) www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/

 You can use any brand of tyre as long as the size, load rating (usually 3 numbers next to a letter eg 104V) and speed rating (usually a letter) are as the manufacturer recommends. Camping tyres often have a mud and snow style of tread and that is better at getting off slippery grass surfaces. 

You can get better prices for Michelin tyres online such as www.citytyre.co.uk Tel: 0121353 6666 and www.mytyres.co.uk Tel: 08003 286532, also Event Tyres www.event-tyres.co.uk . Online prices tend to be the best but the drawback is that they are delivered to your door and you then have to pay to have them fitted locally (about £10 a tyre, fitted and balanced). Pay online by credit card for additional protection.

 Continental Tyres are helpful in resolving tyre pressure queries etc.

 Consider fitting a tyre pressure warning system not only to the motorhome but also to the towcar.

 Tyrepal is a tyre pressure monitor kit. Easy to set up and monitors all four tyres. Costs about £165. www.tyrepal.co.uk Tel: 01780 755490.

 Consider filling tyres with Puncturesafe UK  liquid which guards against punctures.

 Nitrogen-filled tyres can maintain correct pressure for longer than oxygen-filled. Some garages offer free nitrogen top-ups for life.

 RING RAC630 is a recommended budget 12v tyre inflator. Cost c£33.

 Practice changing the wheel in order to be familiar with jack operation and jacking points. This would only apply to lighter campervans. Don’t even think about changing a wheel on a larger, heavier vehicle. Phone your breakdown company.

 If a steel spare wheel is used along with alloy wheels, then alternative nuts/bolts and a different wrench size will be required.

 Ultra violet light causes aging of rubber tyres. Consider covering your wheels with reflective silver covers when parked up for any period in very hot and sunny climates.